DALLAS, TEXAS, September 20, 2014. Today 5,200 participants walked to end global poverty in the annual Dallas Partnership Walk/Run at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, TX. The Dallas Partnership Walk is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) to raise awareness and funds that reduce poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health in Africa and Asia.

Today’s event raised over $1 million for AKF USA programs worldwide. 100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects supported by the Foundation; not a cent is spent on administration.

The charity event featured a 5K competitive Run and a 1K Youth Fun Run (for children ages 6 -13), along with the 3K family Walk. The event is a day of fun for the whole family and one that Dallas residents look forward to every year. This year’s master of ceremonies was the acclaimed Chris Howell, radio host, author and CEO of Chris Howell Communications LLC. “It’s so impressive to see what the Aga Khan Foundation is doing to end poverty,” said Gerald Farris, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Irving, “and the presentations here today.”

One of the most inspiring features of Partnership Walk is the Village in Action, where participants can enjoy interactive exhibits spotlighting the Foundation’s practical solutions for alleviating poverty. This year marked the debut of the Innovation Challenge Competition, where finalist teams of high-school students laid out their ideas for ways to reduce poverty through energy, water and health care. The judges, three professors from the University of North Texas, were impressed by all four finalists.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for Partnership Walk events, which are being held in eight major U.S. cities. Since 1995, PartnershipsInAction activities including the annual Partnership Walk and Golf events have attracted over 440,000 participants and raised over $63 million for poverty alleviation projects supported by AKF USA.

Read the full press release here.